Korean Food Series (6) – Bossam (Boiled Pork Wraps) 🥩🥬

Picture: photo by koreavisit2025

📍 Welcome back to the Korean Food Series!

Today, we're introducing a beloved Korean dish that's all about tender pork, spicy kimchi, and satisfying wraps—Bossam (보쌈).
It’s a classic comfort food in Korea, often enjoyed with friends, family, or during special gatherings.

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🐷 What is Bossam?

Bossam is a traditional Korean dish made from thick slices of boiled pork belly or shoulder, cooked gently with ingredients like garlic, ginger, peppercorns, and sometimes doenjang (soybean paste) or coffee to remove any odor and deepen the flavor.

The meat is served warm and sliced, and it’s typically eaten ssam-style—wrapped in cabbage or lettuce with various toppings.
The most iconic topping? Kimchi—especially mukeunji, an aged, deeply fermented kimchi that pairs perfectly with the mild pork.

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🦪 Seasonal Variation – Gul Bossam (Oyster Bossam)

In the colder months (especially November to February), many restaurants offer a seasonal version called Gul Bossam (굴보쌈)—boiled pork served with fresh raw oysters.

The oysters are placed on top of the wrap along with the pork and kimchi, creating a luxurious and refreshing bite.
The oceanic brininess of the oyster beautifully contrasts the fatty pork and spicy fermented kimchi, making it a truly unforgettable combination.

💡 Pro Tip: Some restaurants only serve gul bossam during oyster season, so be sure to ask if it’s available. Look for signs that say 굴보쌈 or ask the staff directly!

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📍 How to Eat Bossam – Step by Step

1. Grab a Leaf

Use napa cabbage, lettuce, or perilla leaf as the base of your wrap.

2. Add the Pork

Place a warm slice of bossam pork on the leaf.

3. Layer the Flavors

Top with fermented kimchi, a slice of raw garlic or green chili, a bit of ssamjang (spicy soybean paste), and saeujeot (fermented salted shrimp) for an umami kick.

4. Optional: Add a Fresh Oyster

If you’re enjoying gul bossam, place an oyster on top of your wrap before folding.

5. Wrap and Enjoy!

Fold the leaf into a bite-sized bundle and enjoy the explosion of flavors—rich, spicy, salty, and tangy all in one bite.

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🍶 Drink Pairing

• Makgeolli – Earthy and smooth, a perfect traditional match

• Soju – Complements the fatty meat well

• Barley tea – A refreshing non-alcoholic option to cleanse the palate

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💡 More Tips!

Bossam is often served as a set meal with generous banchan (side dishes).
If you see mukeunji or fresh oysters listed, don’t hesitate—they elevate the dish to another level.

For takeout, many Korean locals order bossam sets to eat at home, especially in winter.
And don’t forget—refills of cabbage or kimchi may be free at many restaurants, so feel free to ask!

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📍 Best Bossam Restaurants in Seoul

Wonjo Won Halmae Bossam (원조원할매보쌈)
Address: 21 Toegye-ro 28-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

Manjok Ohyang Jokbal & Bossam (만족오향족발 보쌈)
Address: 55-3 Chungmu-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

Seorae Bossam (서래보쌈)
Address: 19-1 Seorae-ro, Seocho-gu, Seoul

The Bossam (더보쌈)
Address: 23 Donggyo-ro 27-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Bossam Master (보쌈명가)
Address: 122, Teheran-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

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📍 Recommended Bossam Spots in Incheon

Bupyeong Bossam Alley (부평 보쌈 골목)
Location: Near Bupyeong Market, Bupyeong-gu

Inha Bossam (인하보쌈)
Address: 77 Yonghyeon-ro, Michuhol-gu, Incheon

Songdo Bossam House (송도 보쌈집)
Address: 62 Convensia-daero, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon

Gyeyang Traditional Bossam (계양 전통보쌈)
Address: 12 Gyeyang-ro, Gyeyang-gu, Incheon

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📍 Top Bossam Restaurants in Gyeonggi-do

Suwon Bossam Street (수원 보쌈거리)
Location: Near Suwon Station, Suwon-si

Ilsan Bossam House (일산 보쌈집)
Address: 88 Ilsan-ro, Goyang-si

Guri Bossam & Kimchi (구리 보쌈김치)
Address: 15 Guri-ro, Guri-si

Paju Hanok Village Bossam (파주 보쌈)
Address: 32-1 Paju Book City, Paju-si

Yongin Bossam Alley (용인 보쌈 골목)
Location: Near Yongin City Hall

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📝 Final Tips

• Bossam is great for sharing and goes well with alcohol and good company.

• Ask for refills of cabbage and kimchi—they’re often free!

• Don’t miss gul bossam if you’re visiting Korea in winter—it’s a seasonal favorite that locals love.

Thanks for joining us for the sixth flavorful stop in the Korean Food Series!
Next up: we explore Jokbal (Braised Pig’s Trotters)—another porky delight with a whole new texture and taste. Stay hungry and see you soon! 🇰🇷🥢